The Sprachbausteine (“language elements”) test grammar and vocabulary in context. They belong to the same 90-minute block as reading – here are the structure, strategy and exercises for both parts.
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Key takeaways
The Sprachbausteine are a short but important part of the written telc B1 exam: you fill gaps in two short texts – once with grammar (Part 1), once with vocabulary (Part 2). Together that’s 20 tasks and 30 points. Importantly, the Sprachbausteine share a 90-minute block with reading; plan around 30 minutes for them.
Unlike isolated grammar drills, the gaps are always in context – usually an email, a letter or a note. You have to choose the word that fits both grammatically AND in meaning. The focus is on fixed structures: verbs with a preposition (sich freuen auf), connectors (weil, obwohl, deshalb) as well as cases, articles and verb forms.
The two parts call for different strategies: in Part 1 you choose the grammatically correct option from three (a/b/c) – read the whole sentence, not just the gap. In Part 2 you match ten gaps to words from a list of 15; five words are left over. Practice the two separately.
The tasks are manageable but demand precise grammar under time pressure. Part 2 (the word bank) is often trickier than Part 1. Very doable with a solid stock of structure words.
| Part | Task type | Focus | Tasks | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 – Grammar (MC) | Multiple choice | Grammar in context | 10 | 15 |
| Part 2 – Vocabulary (word bank) | Gap-fill with a word bank | Vocabulary & connectors | 10 | 15 |
Sprachbausteine and reading share 90 minutes. Plan around 30 minutes for the Sprachbausteine and keep an eye on the clock.
Read the whole sentence – often the ones before and after too. The right word must fit grammatically and in meaning, not just slot into the gap.
Learn the most common verbs with a preposition (sich freuen auf, denken an) and the key connectors (weil, obwohl, deshalb, damit). They come up again and again.
In Part 2, enter the words you’re sure about first. With every word you place, the list shrinks and the remaining gaps get easier.
There’s no penalty for wrong answers. Guess rather than leave a gap open.
Only the answer sheet is graded. Transfer your answers in good time – the Sprachbausteine are quick, so don’t forget the transfer.
Try this section in the real exam format and find out how confident you are before exam day.
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These structure and function words come up especially often:
Prepare these grammar areas in particular:
Read this guide and do a first official practice test on the Sprachbausteine – without time pressure, just to understand both parts.
Practice multiple-choice gaps on prepositions, verb forms and connectors. Always read the whole sentence.
Learn the 30 most common verbs with a preposition as a fixed unit (sich freuen auf + accusative).
Practice gap-fill texts with a word list. Enter the sure words first and rule out the rest.
Review weil/obwohl/deshalb/damit and the word order in main and subordinate clauses.
Work through both parts in one go in about 25 minutes and transfer your answers to an answer sheet.
Look at every mistake: was it grammar or vocabulary? Review your weaker part specifically.
Two parts with 20 tasks in total: Part 1 (grammar, multiple choice) and Part 2 (vocabulary, gap-fill with a word bank).
30 points in total – 15 per part. Each correct gap counts; there is no penalty for wrong answers.
Sprachbausteine and reading are done together in one 90-minute block. There is no fixed split; plan about 30 minutes for the Sprachbausteine.
Part 1 tests grammar: you choose one of three options (a/b/c) per gap. Part 2 tests vocabulary: you match ten gaps to words from a list of 15; five words are left over.
Mainly verbs with a preposition, connectors (weil, obwohl, deshalb), prepositions with the right case, verb forms, pronouns and articles – always in the context of a short text.
Learn fixed structures (verbs with a preposition, connectors) as a unit and practice gap-fill texts under time. At Prepliq you practice the Sprachbausteine with realistic mock exams and get instant scoring; the interactive word list locks in your vocabulary.
No. No aids such as dictionaries are allowed in the telc German B1 exam.
Practice this exam section in the official format and see what needs more attention before the real test.
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